Hi all. I have booked a flight to Vegas to surprise my husband for his birthday. First surprise: only $199 pp from Baltimore to Vegas and back! We will be going from May 28 - 31, the only time he could fit the trip in his schedule. I've been looking at some of the promotional sites and it seems that a lot of promotions just happen to be offered for many nights of May, but not for my dates! Do promotions pop up all the time, and should I wait for the hotels I think would fit the bill for us, or are the spring promotions usually posted by now and I should book so my preferences are not sold out? Advice please.

I have stayed in the Paris once before and loved it just to give an idea of the type of hotel I would like to stay at. I am sort of thinking, based on what I have been reading here, that the Mirage, Bellagio, Treasure island, Paris (of course) might suit us. I am thinking of spending around $600-700 for the 3 nights and am interested in being around the middle of the strip, and maybe I'm getting out of my price point, but of course would love a view of the strip.

If anyone has advice of other hotel suggestions for me, or hotels to stay away from, I would be most appreciative. Also, if you have a room location you recommend in a specific hotel, I would like to hear that too.

Thanks for all your expertise.

Hope it wasn't a weekend because that is when EVERYONE wants to go to Vegas. Business promotions tend to be when demand is lower (i.e. weekdays).

Since I didn't pick the dates, I think I was lucky...we'll be there Wed, Thurs and Friday nights. I have already noticed the big price hike for Friday nights at most of the hotels.

I looked at Hotels.com (a discount hotel room site) for your dates. I entered "strip - center" for the nearest landmark. Paris came to $192 average for the 3 nights (Wed./Thur. a little lower anf Fri. a little higher).

The Bellagio was $310 average for the 3 nights.

I would grab Paris - it's a great rate.

Kwren, this is the week after Memorial Day, many will be taking Tue-Fri off. This is what you can do.

Make a reservation now, just make sure you can cancel later if needed. Sign up as a frequent guest on each hotel's website. They will e-mail you promotions, if any.

Also check all websites like hotels.com, Expedia, quikbook.

Good luck, as they always say in Vegas

Hi kwren -

Check out www.harrahs.com

Look at "hot deals" on the menu bar. Here are the following prices for Paris on your dates.

28th - $159
29th - 179
30th - 239

Oops. Those are not actually "hot deals." It is just the regular price. However, I suggest to go ahead and book some cancelable reservations and check back on the "hot deals" when you get closer to your travel dates.

Book cancelable reservation now and then rebook if you find a better deal.

The price by jcb = bardo1 = $192 avg.

Also try May 28, two nights.

Go to The Wynn website and sign up for their online promotions.

It is the most fabulous hotel I've ever seen!

I think the Bellagio has slipped in the past few years.

Book a cancellable backup you can live with and just keep stalking websites and hotel discounters.

Rates will probably drop about 30 days out.

I know you didn't mention wanting to stay at the MGM however, until tomorrow, March 6, they are running a promotion. It would b

Sorry I hit the post reply button by accident before I finished.

Anyway MGM has a promotion it would be $388.00 plus taxes for the three nights you are staying. $69/night the first two nights and $250.00 the last night. It is promotion code SDM049.
That rate also includes a $25 entertainment credit and two for one spa access.

If you don't like the MGM check out www.smartervegas.com. They list all of the hotel promotion codes in one place. Hope this helps!! Have a great trip.

Wow! These are great responses - and just the advice I was looking for! You guys are great. I will reserve the Paris and watch for deals.

My next problem is that I don't want anything on my credit card statement...can't have the words Las Vegas spoiling the surprise for my husband can I?! So...when I give the CC# to hold the reservation, do the hotels in Vegas just file the number in case you don't show up, or do they actually charge the deposit (about one night's stay I read) as soon as you book? Anyone know that? I suppose I should just call and ask - I'm sure that will be the proper advice! However, I'd still like to know actual experience because I've gotten wrong info from hotel personnel before! (gasp of disbelief! )

Out of curiosity, how do people like the MGM? I had seriously considered that in the beginning, but didn't get the best impression from threads I read. Am I wrong and should I reconsider? (I like those rates, but do you get what you pay for in this case?)

Thanks again!

The Harrah's properties (Paris) do charge 1 night on your credit card as soon as you book. I believe Bellagio does the same.

thanks - I'll have to be careful of that!!!